The invention relates to an optical arrangement comprising a compact microscope whose eyepiece is replaced by a photoelectric converter, particularly a black-and-white or color-capable camera, and comprising a video output connection and a mechanical or electromotive adjusting device for adjusting the magnification ratios. According to the invention, means for detachably attaching a variable-focus objective, which can be actuated independent of the adjusting device, are provided on the microscope tube. When mounted, the variable-focus objective is located in front of the microscope objective in order to realize, by an appropriate adjusting of the variable-focus lens(es) of the variable-focus objective, different, in particular, also greater viewing distances with adequate multiplication.